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Dear Residents,
These monthly newsletters are meant to keep you informed about what is happening in our ward and across the city. This edition is a bit longer than usual and while I may still have more updates I would like to share, those will have to wait until next month.
I would like to thank the residents who attended the Community Information Safety Meeting that was held earlier this month in collaboration with YRP. I hope the information offered was helpful. I have included a high-level overview below in the newsletter.
At the last Development Services meeting, I moved two motions that will be discussed and voted on at our next meeting on December 9th. The first asks staff to explore the feasibility of installing a veterans crosswalk at a suitable location in Markham.
The second was for staff to report back on the Committee of Adjustment applications and requested variances, focusing on what is working well and what may need adjustment.
At last week's public statutory meeting on the expansion of the Robinson Glen Secondary plan. I was pleased that the landowner agreed to look at providing an option for purchasers to buy duplexes and triplexes. With the Province allowing up to three units on every lot and the Federal government encouraging up to four, providing a more diverse housing stock from the start can help address housing affordability. Offering additional units that are legal and built to code when new homes are constructed is an easier and effective way to meet these goals.
We know that the holiday season is upon us, as we celebrate on Main St with the Festival of Lights and the Santa Claus Parade!
Please remember the streets will be closed on both days.
I look forward to seeing you at one of the upcoming events.
Regards,
Karen
Anything highlighted provides a link to a document or report.
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Additional Residential Units (ARUS)
The Additional Residential Units item is back on the agenda this week and will be discussed at Council on Tuesday, November 25th 1 p.m.
Please check the city calendar or contact the clerks office beforehand to confirm that the item is still scheduled. I encourage all residents to share their views on this important matter. |
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Public Statutory Meeting Notices - please see below notices to the public meetings that are being held for community input.
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How to Participate in Public Meetings
All public meetings are hybrid and live streamed from the city website. Residents can attend in person at the council chambers, or you can attend virtually. Written submissions can be emailed to clerkspublic@markham.ca by 5pm the day before the meeting. Residents who wish to speak on a topic can fill out an online request to speak form or email clerkspublic@markham.ca. If someone does not have access to email, they can call the clerk's office at 905.479.7760 on the day of the meeting to make a deputation (speak) |
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Leaf Removal
A friendly reminder it is illegal to blow leaves onto city streets or into our parks and open spaces. With the early blast of winter, many of our roads have become clogged with wet leaves. Our operations department has requested extra street sweepers to help clean debris from all of our streets. Please be patient as our crews work to clean up the mess left behind by the first snowfall. |
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Mobility for All - The Markham Transportation Plan
Join us for the first public meeting to learn more about the project and share your thoughts on the future of micromobility and how Markham's transportation network could evolve.
When: Wednesday November 26th 6-8pm
Where: Markham Civic Centre
The evening will begin with a short presentation in the council chambers at 6 pm, followed by an open format in the great hall where you can review display boards and ask questions. .
We want to hear your ideas on e-bikes and e-scooters - where they should be allowed and how they can fit into our city.
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Update to the Markham Village Heritage Conservation District Plan (MVHCD Plan)
The MVHCD is the largest of Markham's 4 heritage conservation districts and one of the oldest. Created in 1991, the MVHCD includes a complex mix of commercial and residential buildings, as well as green spaces, that together comprise over 1000 properties.The City is launching a project to update the policies and guidelines that manages change within the community, to ensure that the qualities that make the community special continue to be protected and enhanced.
Heritage planning staff are launching a review of the MVHCD Plan and are seeking community input on what is working well and what could be improved to better protect Markham Village's heritage character. A Community Meeting will be held on Monday December 1 to introduce the project and hear from residents and stakeholders about what they value most about the heritage character of Markham Village. Drop In starts at 6.30pm with a formal presentation starting at 7pm. We hope you can join us!
For more information about the project, please visit: www.markham.ca/MVHCD
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Off-Leash Dogs
The City of Markham requires all dogs to be leashed on public property, in parks, and in conservation areas. Some residents, including children, may feel uneasy around off-leash dogs, so keeping your pet leashed helps everyone feel safe. Please take a moment to follow the rules and be considerate of others. Off-leash violations can result in a $430 fine. For more details, please visit the City of Markham's Bylaws and Off Leash Areas website. |
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Join the official York Regional Police Newsletter to have news, updates and safety tips delivered directly to your inbox.
If you believe a driver is impaired, driving aggressively or displaying road rage behaviour, or poses an immediate danger to the public - report the vehicle through roadwatch.ca |
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Here are some key highlights from the community information meeting with YRP.
Crime Trends & Task Forces
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Superintendent reviewed recent crime statistics, including which crimes are increasing and decreasing.
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Several specialized task forces have been created to address specific types of crime across the region.
CCTV Cameras & License Plate Scanning
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CCTV cameras are installed at approximately six major intersections.
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These cameras scan license plates, and if a stolen vehicle passes through one of these intersections, police receive an alert.
Tips to Protect Your Property
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Ensure you have good lighting at the front and back of your home.
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Keep your front entrance visible from the street—trim or remove bushes that may block the view.
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Avoid storing valuables in your master bedroom, as it is often the first place targeted in a break-in.
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Consider installing alarms, Ring doorbells, or security cameras.
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If you have any type of camera system, you can register it with York Regional Police so they know who to contact for footage if an incident occurs in your area.
“If You See Something, Say Something”
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Police encourage residents to report suspicious activity.
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The non-emergency line can be reached from your cell phone by dialing #YORK or *YORK, depending on your provider.
Helpful Links
I will share the presentation from the meeting once received. |
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Heritage Markham 50th Anniversary
Heritage Markham recently celebrated 50 years of heritage planning in Markham since its creation in 1975. The evening also honoured 18 award recipients who were recognized for their outstanding contributions to heritage preservation. To learn more about our Heritage Districts Please visit the Heritage Markham website. Canada's Historic Places
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Councillor's Cup at Premier Racquet Club
In October, I had the opportunity to be part of Premier Racquet Club's first Councillors Cup. It was great to see so many young people visit Markham and participate in the Tennis tournament. You can read more about the tournament on the Tennis Ontario Website. |
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Markham Fire launches Auxiliary Drago Unit
Markham's Fire & Emergency Services Department recently launched two auxiliary firefighting units known as DRAGO. Each unit is 7.3 meters long and is a high-performing support vehicle equipped with state of the art firefighting tools. Due to their design and size, they can be positioned in areas where standard firetrucks cannot, such as narrow streets and confined spaces. For more information, please click here. |
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Cindy Clement celebrates 80 Years!
It was my pleasure to be part of Cindy's 80th birthday celebration. Cindy and Roger started The Old Curiosity Tea Shop in the early 2000s and built a faithful customer base who have enjoyed the delights of this charming tea shop. If you are looking for a charming place to enjoy a traditional afternoon tea, consider visiting The Old Curiosity Tea Shop! |
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Markham at the Movies- Marching Band
MATM is showcasing its last movie of the Fall season with a screening of
Marching Band on Tuesday, November 25th at 7 PM.
Marching Band is the story of internationally renowned conductor Thibaut as he is diagnosed with leukemia and needs a bone marrow donor. Learning of his adoption, he finds an older brother who works in a factory. Their reunion leads to a musical journey as the town faces a factory closure. Tickets are $15 at the door or purchase at Flato Box Office. |
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Join us on November 28th from 5.30pm - 9pm
- Outdoor Skating Rink
- Warm up with Fire Pits
- Fireworks & Santa
- Sports Play Zone - and so much more - Scan the QR code on the flyer for times and additional details
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Kindred Spirits Orchestra Sounds of the Season Concert
On Saturday, December 6th KSO returns to the Flato Markham Theatre to present their
Sounds of the Seasons concert- a holiday classic with a twist! If you love Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker suite, then get ready for the Beatlecracker suite, which implants popular tunes from the Beatles. Tickets can be purchased on the KSO website or by phone at 905.305.7469. |
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Markham Food Bank Needs our Help
The Markham Food Bank has seen an increase in the number of families using the food bank in these challenging times. For ways to help our community please visit Markham Food Bank |
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